I would like to know how best to clean the grout lines between my ceramic tiles. I have tried several cleaners and all involve heavy scrubbing with disappointing results. I've exhausted all mine. Lynn C. in Ontario, CA There is a grout cleaning tool that you can buy for a few dollars at a Home Depot, etc. The head of it is a triangle shaped device. You just run it up and down your grout line, scraping off the old, discolored grout. It doesn't take very long, just a little time and you look good as new. Much cheaper and better than the cleaning solutions. We used to have the same problem, until we realized that our problem was primarily mildew. My wife, who is a biologist, reasoned that that made the problem much easier to deal with. If your problem is mildew, here's what you can do. There are a number of commercial products which you use by spraying down the shower after use. Reading the list of ingredients I noted that the number one ingredient in this "after shower" cleaner is alcohol.

Now alcohol will kill mildew, and it is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying some name-brand commercial product. But the following suggestion is only useful for those who do NOT have very young children because of a serious accident that could occur!! What you do is make your own "after shower" cleaner by purchasing a spritzer bottle ($1 at our local KMart) and fill it with rubbing alcohol. Then just like the expensive commercial product, you would wipe down the shower with your sponge and spray it with alcohol. Final result: NO MILDEW IN THE SHOWER!!! It also helps to open a window either after or during a shower since this removes moisture from the air. Mildew requires two things to survive: moisture and a LACK of air!! Hand Cleaning Tile Grout photo from Shutterstock I have a great solution that saves time, although it does involve an investment. My advice is to buy the Black & Decker ScumBuster . It has a rechargeable battery and several attachments. I used mine on shower grout that had never been cleaned and it became white again.

It retails for about $40, but is well worth it. It also cleans into groves and crevices with very little effort. Lisa W. Edgerton, WI I just discovered this one myself, so I'm happy to pass on a frugal, relatively simple way to clean the grout between ceramic tiles. I dampen the area (just wipe it with a damp cloth--nothing too tricky) and sprinkle baking soda over the grout. I let it set a few minutes and then use an old toothbrush to scrub it. It really takes minimal elbow grease and absolutely amazed me the first time I tried it. I keep baking soda in an old spice shaker and use it to clean my sinks as well. Fill an empty spray bottle with bleach and water (1 part bleach and 1 part water). Just before retiring in the evening, after everyone is through using the room, quickly spray the grout with this mixture. The mold will disappear within 1 - 2 weeks. To keep the mold from returning, spray the grout with this solution 1 - 2 times per week. Also, make sure that your bathroom has adequate ventilation.

Install an exhaust fan if you do not have one. Also, check the exhaust fan ducts to make sure that they are not clogged. You may want to go to a janitorial supply house and look at their solutions. carpet cleaning services dubaiI use an acidic toilet bowl cleaner. best steam mop for dog hairI put it in an old squeeze-type mustard bottle and then squeeze it onto the grout. dry carpet cleaning forumI then go back over it just brushing with a toothbrush. It has set a few minutes while I finished, so it is nice and loose. I then wipe it up with a rag. It is very painless and you can do it while you chat to a friend on the phone!! The solution comes in a gallon size and is about $8. But it lasts forever. I have found it is much less expensive to buy from the janitorial places in concentrate than in the stores.

I have a large home with 5 bathrooms, all have ceramic tiles, most with white grout. A 12-year-old boy gave me the tip I needed to keep the grout in great shape and EASILY as well as CHEAPLY--Hydrogen Peroxide. Spray it on, mop it on, or sponge it on. If there is a build up it must be cleaned first, then use the peroxide. Do not wax, as this will cause grout in floor tiles to look dirty. I apply the peroxide, leave it 10 minutes or so, and then wipe off the excess. DO NOT use with bleach. if you have stubborn stains, make a paste of peroxide and baking soda and rub. WORD OF CAUTION - peroxide will discolor fabrics, so be careful. Clear your clutter the fast and easy way with Goodbye Clutter! My husband is a ceramic tile setter. He says the best thing to clean your grout with is vinegar. Just put it on, scrub then rinse with water. It will clean better than any household cleaner. As a added bonus--it isn't toxic. Glass tile is a popular choice for kitchen backsplash areas, not only because it is beautiful, but also because it is easy to care for.

The glossy surface of glass tile stands up well to the dirt and grime that can accumulate on kitchen surfaces. To clean these surfaces, a mild cleanser can be used, or a homemade solution of equal parts of vinegar and water is also effective. A soft bristle brush can be used to scrub the tile, but anything more abrasive should be avoided. This consideration is not so much to protect the glass tiles themselves, but to prevent the grout from becoming scratched or gouged. When using a vinegar and water solution, you can safely leave it on for about ten minutes, and then wipe it clean. Rinse well with clean water, then buff and shine dry with a soft towel to avoid the formation of water spots and streaks that can mar the beautiful reflective surface of your glass tiles. Glass Tile Bathroom Surfaces Just as with any other type of surface that is used in bathrooms, glass tiles over time will accumulate soap scum and hard water deposits. These types of deposits will cloud the surface of glass tiles, making them less reflective and beautiful.

Fortunately, they are easy to clean with a simple solution of equal parts of vinegar and water. This cleaning solution is not only safe for the glass tiles, but also for the grout. You can use a spray bottle to wet the glass tile surfaces with the solution, and then allow it to sit for about fifteen minutes. This will give the vinegar a chance to dissolve the mineral deposits and loosen the soap scum. Then, a soft bristle brush can be used to scrub the tile surfaces and grout. Take care to only use a soft bristle brush, to avoid the chance of scratching or damaging the grout. Then, simply wipe the surface, rinse well with clean water, and dry with a soft clean towel. One of the most important things to keep in mind when caring for a glass tile floor is the need to sweep on a regular basis, to avoid the accumulation of dirt and grit. Gritty dirt, when ground into the flooring under foot, can over time abrade the glass tile surfaces with tiny scratches and etches, which can mar its reflective beauty.

A simple cleaning technique of sweeping and mopping with a mild cleaning solution can help keep a glass tile floor clean and beautiful for years to come. Although as a general rule glass tiles are a very durable material, when in doubt as to what types of cleansers are appropriate, always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the types of tiles that you are using. Caring For Glass Tile Grout If your home features bathroom or kitchen glass tiles then you are going to want to care for them the best you can. Glass tiles don’t require complicated maintenance but they definitely require that you take care of them occasionally. Use these simple tips for easy and effective ways to care for tile grout. With smaller glass tiles and mosaic tile patterns you may notice eventual problems with the grout. It may lose its whiteness. Start forming mold, or begin to crack. The more area in between the tiles, the more likely this will be a concern. Always be sure to start cleaning with the least acidic solution.

If efforts prove ineffective, then work your way up to the stronger cleaners. Scrubbing with vinegar and baking soda in small circles should remove residue. Once you’re done rinse it with a sponge of warm water. Never use bleach when you don’t have pure white grout because it will discolor it. Toothbrushes aren’t strong enough to clean effectively and metal bristles are too harsh and will wear it. Find a good medium-strength brush or scrubber. Also, always use protective gear like gloves and goggles when working with cleaning solutions and don’t mix solutions. Always wipe clean the area before trying another method. You should notice a considerable difference in the grout once you’re done. If there’s erosion you may need to re-apply in those spots. Enjoy a new-looking tile display. An Easy Way To Clean Your Glass Tiles Cleaning glass tiles is a very easy thing. One of biggest benefits of having a glass backsplash or wall or floor design is that they are very easy to maintain.

Here are a few easy steps to keep your glass tiles looking just as spectacular as they did when you first set them. The first thing to note is not to use heavy cleaning chemicals, but rather a mix of either soap and water or vinegar and water. You can put this in a spray bottle or in a bucket and use a sponge to gently coat the tile surface. Make sure you saturate the tiles thoroughly, and get in where the grout is too. Let this solution sit for several minutes, usually between 5 and fifteen minutes depending on the amount of grime. Once you think it has settled, you can use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to clean the grout. For the tiles, wipe them down and remove any residue from the vinegar or soap. When you’re finished you must dry everything to avoid water streaks and mildew from growing. This is a quick and easy answer to making the tiles look brand new. If you find any cracks or discoloration, however, you may actually want to replace the specific pieces. How to Clean Tile Grout

Installing tiles into your bathroom and/or kitchen is a great idea and adds to the overall interior décor of your home. That said, you need to make sure you keep both the tiles and the grout clean. This is especially true if the tiles and the grout themselves are white or a light color, because they will eventually get dirty and light colored grout will expose the dirt clearly. Having to look at dirt and mold buildup on a daily basis is not something many homeowners want to do. With that said, here are some tips you can use to clean your tile grout and keep them looking beautiful. 1. Start off by washing the grout down with water to clean off any loose debris. Allow it to dry afterwards. 2. With the appropriate cleaner – only use bleach and strong chemicals for white tiles – apply it on to the grout, and then use a stiff, non-metal brush to clean it. If you want to be sure the grout cleaner is the right one, ask a professional or test it out on an inconspicuous area.